ASHLAND, OH - The Ashland University Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) and Department of Communication Studies will host the inaugural Ashland University High School PR Workshop on Friday, November 10, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM in AU's Hawkins-Conard Student Center.

“This daylong workshop will provide information about the public relations industry and the many career options that are available,” said Amanda Weed, instructor in Communication Arts at AU and AU’s PRSSA faculty adviser. “Workshop attendees will network with PR professionals and students, and learn the basics of PR campaign planning and persuasive communication techniques.”

Weed said the High School PR Workshop is open to high school juniors and seniors. Workshop seating is limited to 50 students, and the registration fee is only $20 and includes workshop materials, lunch, and an event “swag bag.”

Limited workshop scholarships are available for students based on need and a letter of recommendation from a teacher. Those interested in attending the event or wanting more information can contact Weed at aweed@ ashland.edu.

The keynote speaker for the event is Lorraine Schuchart, president of the Greater Cleveland Public Relations Society of America. Schuchart is an accredited public relations strategist and experienced fundraiser who has helped visionary leaders—from large companies to non-profit organizations and educational institutions– achieve organizational goals for more than 25 years. Clients benefit from Schuchart’s broad experience, which includes strategic planning, branding, media relations, social media, change management, coaching and training, writing, fundraising campaigns, events and corporate philanthropy.

She has earned numerous awards for both her writing and campaigns. Schuchart earned a B.S. in Journalism and Public Relations from Bowling Green State University.